UN/CEFACT User Group · Est. 1987
The Global Standard for Maritime Container Data Exchange
Connecting ocean carriers, terminals, and maritime stakeholders through open EDI standards since 1987
Since 1987
Open maritime EDI standards
since day one
80+
Global plenary meetings
held
50+
Member organisations
worldwide
UN/CEFACT
Only recognised user
group worldwide
What We Do
Setting the Standard for Maritime Data Exchange
EDI Standards
We develop and maintain UN/EDIFACT messages used globally in container shipping. Our standards are the backbone of maritime data exchange, trusted by carriers and terminals worldwide.
Code Lists
Our Terminal Code List (TCL) and Liner Code List (LCL) are the industry reference for terminal and carrier identification worldwide.
Community
Join a neutral, member-driven community of carriers, terminals, IT providers, and experts. Together, we are shaping the future of maritime EDI.
Stay Up To Date
News & Announcements
The new SMDG HANDLING, STOWINS and ATTRIBUTES code lists are out: v20260903-18
The new SMDG HANDLING, STOWINS and ATTRIBUTES code lists (v20260903-18) are now available to download.
The new SMDG Liner Code List is out: v20260903
The new SMDG Liner Code List (v20260903) is now available to download.
Ocean Smart joins the SMDG community
Ocean Smart, which combines ocean shipping expertise with AI-driven technology, has joined SMDG to help improve digital collaboration across container shipping.
Working Groups
Where the Standards Get Made
SMDG's working groups bring together industry experts to define, maintain, and evolve the EDI standards that keep global container shipping moving.
BAPLIE / MOVINS / SHIPDAT
Ship stowage, planning, and vessel profile messages, the original SMDG standard
Container Messages
COPRAR, COARRI, CODECO and all container event messages
Vessel Schedule IFTSAI
Standardised port call and vessel schedule data exchange
VGM VERMAS
Verified Gross Mass messages for container weight compliance
Terminal Performance (TPRFEP)
Standardised reporting of terminal productivity metrics
Critical & Dangerous Cargo
Safety-critical information exchange for hazardous shipments
IFTMAN
Arrival notification messages for vessel and cargo planning
SMDG Code Lists
The Terminal and Liner Code Lists underpinning all SMDG messaging
Our Members
Trusted by the World's Leading Maritime Organisations
SMDG brings together over 50 carriers, terminals, ports, and technology providers, all committed to a common standard.
Next Plenary Meeting
SMDG 81st Plenary Meeting
Date & Location: September 2027 | Tangier, Morocco (Exact date to be announced)
Get ready for SMDG#81, the 81st edition of our annual Plenary Meeting – a key gathering for maritime industry professionals, data standards experts, and digitalisation leaders. We look forward to bringing the SMDG community together again for another productive meeting focused on advancing maritime digitalisation and data standardisation
Further details regarding the programme, theme, and registration process will be announced shortly. If you would like to contribute or suggest topics, please contact info@smdg.org.
In the meantime, explore our previous SMDG meetings and events to learn more about our past plenaries, workshops, and activities.
September 2027
Tangier, Morocco
Open to members and invited guests
Cooperations
Working Together with Global Standards Bodies
SMDG collaborates with leading international organisations to ensure our standards align with, and contribute to, the global trade and logistics ecosystem.
